Antoinette M. Christiaens

Antoinette Marie Christiaens, age 91, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away Friday morning, March 1, 2013, at the Bronson Battle Creek Hospital in Battle Creek, Mich. She was born April 20, 1921, in South Bend, Ind., a daughter of the late Michael and Josephine (Swiniarski) Sokoloski.Toni had resided in Sturgis since 1975 coming from Livonia, Mich. Her early life was lived in South Bend and she was a graduate of St. Hedwig High School in South Bend.She married Jerome Christiaens in South Bend, Ind. He died Dec. 29, 1989.She had been employed by F.W. Woolworth and Notre Dame University both in South Bend and she was a dedicated wife, mother and home maker.Toni was an active member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis where for over 20 years she helped in decorating the church for all holidays. She was a member of the Rosary Society and for many years was an usher. Toni was happiest when she was involved and busy. Some of her memberships and involvements include the Sturgis Women’s Club, Sturgis Hospital Popcorn Guild, Commission on Aging, Swinging Seniors, Super 60s and was always ready to take on the responsibility of coordinating the entertainment for the many groups she was a part of. She also enjoyed quilting.She is survived by three daughters, Rebecca (Korlus) McNally of New York, Carol (Donald) Burling of Granger, Ind., and Pamela M. Gay of Battle Creek; five grandchildren, Suzanne, Bradley, Kristina, Angela and Kelly; 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two great-granddaughters, Calvary and Saxon; and two sisters, Julie Parent and Loretta Jablonski.The Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Toni Christiaens will be held at 10 a.m. today at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Father German Perez-Diaz will officiate. Burial will take place at 2 p.m. today at St. Joseph Cemetery, 824 S. Mayflower Rd., in South Bend.The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Christiaens memory consider Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091.The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.